Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Friday, August 22, 2008
(BEDFORD) - Presentations were made last night at BMS’ Schafer Auditorium by two private companies wanting to take over Dunn Memorial Hospital.
Officials from Clarian Health, who also own Bedford Regional Medical Center, said they planned to outright purchase Dunn and indicated their long-term plans would merge BRMC and Dunn into both one entity and one physical facility.
Ascension Healthcare, however, who owns St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, said their plan was to lease the Dunn property for 5 years, which would leave Bedford and Lawrence County with two separate hospital facilities.
Clarian responded to concerns that Bedford patients would be systematically referred to affiliated Bloomington Hospital with a resounding "no." Clarian also emphasized local control, via a local board of directors, would be maintained for both facilities and, eventually, for the one final merged organization.
Ascension didn't have a referral criticism to respond to, however, did make mention of their Catholic affiliation would limit some medical procedures offered, primarily in terms of reproductive health services. However, Ascension also said local governance of the facility and organization would be maintained.
WBIW News Director Justin Metzger would like to hear from you! Send your reactions, thoughts, ideas, questions and concerns on the Dunn buyout/lease to ideas@wbiw.com, fax them to (812) 279-8046, or call WBIW News between 8:00am and 1:00pm to tell us what you think.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.